Governor Kathy Hochul visits Farmer’s Market 

A surprise visit to Saturday’s Farmer’s Market saw Governor Kathy Hochul reminding shoppers of the importance of voting. Hochul, who is not running for re-election in Tuesday’s general election, was there to support local officials Dana Levenberg and Pete Harckham who are running for re-election to the state assembly and senate (respectively).

“It was a pleasure welcoming Governor Hochul to Peekskill again and escorting her through our beautiful Farmer’s Market,” said Peekskill Deputy Mayor Patricia Riley. “As we walked through the market, the Governor stopped  by the stands and spoke to the vendors, customers and our residents too. Governor Hochul is a friend of our great City of Peekskill. We are always grateful when she visits here.”

The Governor’s high-profile appearance will help promote farmer’s markets across the state, including ours, which has been contributing to the local economy for more than 30 yeas, ” said Bill Powers, executive director of the Peekskill Business Improvement District which presents the market.

Peekskill’s second dispensary, Cloud 914, now open on Washington Street

Peekskill business and city officials joined owners Chris Calabrese, Kyle and Kim Knapp at the official grand opening of their dispensary, Cloud 914,  at 807 Washington Street on Saturday afternoon. The ribbon was cut by Manager Aldo Cochrane.  The dispensary is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is staffed by seven full-time employees, said Calabrese, and the products are all New York state grown.

Con Ed gas line work on Boulevard, Prospect Terrace

Con Edison will be installing gas mains starting Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024 and extending until the end of December 2024 on Boulevard from Longview Avenue to Hyatt Avenue and Prospect Terrace from Boulevard to Magnolia Avenue.

The project is designed to replace possible leak-prone gas mains to minimize potential for leaks, minimize greenhouse gas emissions on potential leaks, and ultimately provide safe and reliable service.

To complete the work, Con Ed may need to temporarily interrupt service. If service is going to be interrupted, customers will be notified in advance.

During the work, residents can expect to find limited street parking, noise, and some work conducted on customer property. The contractor for the project is Elecnor Hawkeye.

Note: There is usually a delay between the end of the project and the final landscaping or paving restoration, which is completed by different contractors. Work Schedule: Monday-Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

If you have questions about the upcoming work, or concerns about private facilities buried in your lawn, such as sprinkler lines or electric dog fences, please email [email protected] or [email protected].

 ‘How to Cook Everything’ author at Field Library Nov. 18

Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned home chef, you’ll want to take the opportunity to hear from one of the most impactful voices in the world of food and cooking on Nov. 18 at the Field Library.

Mark Bittman, one of the country’s best-known and widely-acclaimed food journalists, will present “A Conversation with Mark Bittman” starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 each and all proceeds benefit Field Library programs.

Bittman’s column “The Minimalist” ran in the New York Times for more than 13 years and he’s authored 30 books including the best-selling “How to Cook Everything.” The evening will include a talk and book signing with books available to purchase at the event.

For more information go to The Field Library website.

In other library news, the library board elected several new officers, including Ann Douglas as President, Ben Bloom as Vice President, Trevor Noble as Treasurer and Catalina Fortino as Secretary.

 School District providing variety of programs for students

The Peekskill City School District awarded contracts to a variety of service groups at its Sept. 24 Board Meeting.

They include:

• The Tomato Group, Inc. Not to exceed $32,000 ($2,000 per day X 16 days);
• Javier Angulo/PKMS Soccer. Not to exceed $23,400 ($900 per week x 26 weeks);
• BeFirstBoxing(PKMS/HillcrestAfter-School); Not to exceed $16,200 ($150 per class X four (4) classes);
• Benchmark Education Company, LLC. Not to exceed $15,000 ($3,900 per day X 4 days);
• Camp Inc.
 The District’s portion is not to exceed $64,000;
• Gymnastics City/Uriah Hill Extended Residency. Not to exceed $42,000 ($1,500 per day x 28 days);
• Hudson Valley MOCA. Not to exceed $15,000;
• Inspire 3 Leadership Group. Not to exceed $39,900 ($6,650 per six (6) school leaders);
• Leading with Hearts and Minds. Not to exceed $15,000.
Fee Structure:
Half Day: $2,000
Full Day: $3,500
*Inclusive of Travel and Lodging
Four (4) Half-days: $8,000
Two (2) Full days: $7,000;
• Peekskill Police Department. Not to exceed $8,735.04 (1.5 per hour @ $161.76 per day);
• James Santorelli – Chess/Oakside. Not to exceed $6,240 ($240 per day X 26 days);
• James Santorelli – Chess/Hillcrest. Not to exceed $23,200 ($400 per day X 58 days);
• Rafael Abreu Teixeira – Cai Na Capoeira/WoodsideExtended Residency. Not to exceed $24,000 ($1,200 per day x 20 days);
• Westchester Sandbox Theatre. Not to exceed $39,750 ($150 per hour per staff member).

 City of Peekskill hiring to fill jobs in three departments

The City of Peekskill has three open positions and is looking for applicants. The jobs are: Housing Inspector – Spanish speaking; Park Foreman; and Program Specialist, Rental Assistance Program.

Housing Inspector (Spanish Speaking) : Under the general supervision of the Director – Section 8 Rental Assistance Program/Staff Assistant – Section 8 Rental Assistance Program, an incumbent of this class inspects dwellings and other structures for compliance with provisions of State and Local Laws, rules, and regulations. Posting end date: November 8, 2024.

Park Foreman: Supervises the maintenance and repair of park areas and recreation facilities, and has immediate charge of a group of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers engaged in park and recreation construction, development and major maintenance tasks, in a general or specified area of the City Parks operations. Posting end date: November 6, 2024.

Program Specialist – Rental Assistance Program: Coordinates activities of the City of Peekskill’s Section 8 Rental Assistance Program, which includes the screening and selecting of eligible program participants, providing assistance with landlord negotiations, and issuance of Housing Assistance checks. Posting end date: November 8, 2024.

 Red light camera use, passing school bus fines increased

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed various bills on Oct. 23 designed to promote safety on the roads, including legislation that continues and expands the use of red light cameras in Westchester and elsewhere in the state.

Another bill increases penalties for repeatedly illegally passing a stopped school bus. The fine for a third or subsequent violation within three years will rise from $1,000 to $1,500.

“Today is not a one-off. It’s part of a larger vision for an overall safer New York,” Hochul said. “By quadrupling the number of red light cameras in New York City and empowering other localities, raising the penalties for school buses, we’re building on other major traffic safety initiatives, working closely with our local mayors.”

Hochul signed legislation to extend the use of red light cameras already being used in Mount Vernon, White Plains and New Rochelle while authorizing the Town of Greenburgh to begin a new red light camera program.

In addition, continued use of red light cameras is authorized in Albany and Nassau County on Long Island. Additional legislation allows New York City to dramatically increase the number of intersections where red light cameras are in use from 150 to 600.

 County passes new rules on road paving by contractors

Westchester County Executive George Latimer signed into law a new amendment to Chapter 813 of the Westchester County Laws to curb patchwork or spot repaving on County roads by private contractors.

The new legislation, sponsored by County Legislator James Nolan and County Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels, is designed to improve road durability, safety, and overall quality by enforcing consistent and thorough repaving standards.

The new legislation addresses the issue of incomplete road repairs often left behind by private companies, resulting in uneven surfaces and increased maintenance needs.

Companies performing work on County roads will now be required to follow specific paving standards, helping to ensure that any construction leaves roads in better, safer condition for residents and travelers.

 Kacey of WHUD joins Franciscan Fathers at Graymoor

The voice of WHUD for three decades is leaving the station to begin a new role in the community. Kacey Morabito-Grean is joining the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement Retreat Center at Graymoor.

On social media, Kacey wrote, “I’m not saying goodbye to anyone or anything! Broadcasting will always be part of my journey – as will loving life here in the Hudson Valley. I’m so very grateful that I got to play on the air in my own backyard for so long. And I treasure the deep connections I shared with my listeners. We loved fiercely and had so much fun! Come see me on the Holy Mountain! We have more adventures to share.”

Kacey graced the local airwaves for a combined 32 years at Pamal Broadcasting AC 100.7 WHUD Peekskill, joining WHUD as host of their “Night Rhythms” evening show from 1991 to 1998.

In 2000, she returned to the station to host mornings alongside Mike Bennett, then move to middays last year and also hosted “Shine On; The Health & Happiness Radio Show” on Sunday mornings. In between her two tenures at WHUD, she spent a year at WLTW New York.

WHUD is beginning the search for a new host with at least three years full-time experience.

City to hire consultant to map 10,000 trees

The City of Peekskill has received proposals from qualified consultants to provide an inventory of trees on city streets and public properties (“Street Tree Inventory”), draft an urban forest management plan, and implement a software-based Street Tree Inventory management system.

All proposals had to include the work necessary to complete a Street Tree Inventory and implement an ongoing management plan to be overseen by city staff. The contract is scheduled to be awarded on Nov. 12.

The city received proposals from:

• ArborPro, Inc., Yorba Linda, CA
• Colliers Engineering & Design, Valhalla, NY
• Davey Resource Group, Elmsford, NY
• Eocene Environmental Group, Inc. (Division of Wright Service Corp.), Connecticut
• PlaIT Geo, Wheat Ridge, CO
• P.S. & S. Engineering, PC, Yonkers, NY

The management system may utilize commercially available software solutions or leverage existing city software and processes. Comprehensive training for city staff must be provided for any new software-based solution.

The Project Area includes all city-owned road right-of-ways, street tree easements, parks, and public facilities covering an estimated 10,000 trees.

The total budget for the project is $75,000. The City seeks a consultant with the most relevant experience and offering the most extensive services for $75,000.

 Thanksgiving dinner to honor late Officer Greg Jones

A local nonprofit is bringing together families, friends and loved ones to present a Community Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner on Nov. 23 in honor of the late Peekskill Police Officer Greg Jones. The dinner will be held at 1016 Brown St. from 1 to 5 p.m.

Unlabelled Awards is working with the Butterfli Wings Foundation, Mummie’s Jerk Sauce, The Red Door, and Leesther Brown to present the dinner, open to everyone in the community. Last year’s dinner fed over 500 individuals.

Donations in the form of food, food items, beverages, serving items, financial assistance along with volunteers can be offered by contact Carol Tia Dunkley at 757.232.9959 or email [email protected].

Carol “Butterfli Tia” Dunkley is a native of Kingston Jamaica. She migrated to the United States as a young girl with her mother and siblings, where they settled in New York. She currently resides in Westchester County with her husband, children, and her granddaughter.

Carol prides herself on building a sustainable brand by doing what it takes to bring a refreshing change to the fashion and entertainment industry, according to her website. Butterfli Tia is the CEO of multiple businesses including Fachion Bloc LLC, It’s Butterfli Tia LLC, Westchester Kids Roc Organization, The Butterfli Wings Foundation and the Unlabelled Awards.

 Peekskill Senior Club celebrates Halloween, and more

A great time was had by all at the Peekskill Senior Club’s Halloween party on Oct. 31. The seniors dressed up in their scariest costumes and enjoyed celebrating Halloween with fellow club members who loved seeing all the different costumes.

The activities continue throughout the year at the Senior Club.

Bingo is held on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon, along with Pokeno on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. in the senior room at the Neighborhood Center (4 Nelson Ave.)

Water Aerobics Classes continue on Tuesdays at the Peekskill Middle School Pool from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Seniors must buy a floating noodle to do some of the exercises.  No transportation provided. See Ray to sign up.

The Senior Club’s upcoming trips include a West Point hockey game on Saturday, Nov. 9 and a West Point basketball game on Sunday, Dec. 8. Sign up with Ray for the trips, a limited amount of tickets are available.

 New businesses launched in Peekskill

New businesses are the lifeblood of communities across America, displaying the vitality of a city and showing that people have faith in the future of the place they live.

The following new business certificates were filed by Peekskill residents recently in the Westchester County Clerk’s office in White Plains.

• El Kioskito, 920 Constant Ave., Peekskill 10566 c/o Edison David Chicaiza Taguada. Filed Sept. 4.
• Hiram Noel Mendez Virola Estate, 738 South St., Peekskill 10566 c/o Hiram N. Mendez Virola. Filed Sept. 5.
• Hiram Noel Mendez Virola Foreign Grantor Trust, 738 South St., Peekskill 10566 c/o Hiram N. Mendez Virola. Filed Sept. 5.
• Hudson Valley Arts Center, 925 South St., Peekskill 10566 c/o Scarlet A. Degidio. Filed Sept. 3.
• Peekskill Podiatry, 2 Stowe Road, 6, Peekskill 10566 c/o Ross Van Kleunen. Filed Sept. 9.
• Club Nuevos Amigos, 1008 Main St., Suite 203, Peekskill 10566 c/o Rosa Uday. Filed Sept. 25.
• Cyber K9 Services, 145 Bannon Ave., Buchanan 10511 c/o Brett A Hochron. Filed Oct. 1.
• Expoarte Colombia, 219 Fremont St., Peekskill 10566 c/o Luis Enrique Santillan. Filed Oct. 1.
• House Nutrition, 2 Bank St., Peekskill 10566 c/o Tania Zambrano. Filed Sept. 25.
• Karttography Lighting, 1357 Longview Ave., Peekskill 10566 c/o Stephen Kartt. Filed Sept. 18.

 Sale price, inventory levels, sales decline in Westchester

While Westchester still showed the highest median selling price for single-family homes in the region, it did fall from a record high of $1.118 million in August to $905,051 in September.

However, for condos, Westchester gained a lead of 16.3 percent, with a median sales price of $558,000 – a boost over August’s median of $517,700. Rockland County saw a 20 percent median price increase for condos – the biggest in the region. Rockland also took first place for co-op median prices with a 78.2 percent rise over last year from $108,000 to $192,500.

Westchester’s median sales price stood at $905,051 in September, after exceeding $1 million during the months of July and August. The September median reflects just a 4.3 percent increase over last year’s median price of $867,750. Median prices grew 16.3 percent for the condo market, but declined 1.2 percent for co-ops, at $558,000 and $207,500, respectively.

Closed sales last month declined for all three property types with co-ops experiencing the largest drop at 11.9 percent, followed by condos at 10.5 percent and single-family homes at 5.5 percent. Inventory also decreased by 13.3 percent for single-family homes, 8.6 percent for co-ops and 1.9 percent for condos. Conversely, new listings rose for all three property types at 11.5 percent for single-family homes, 6.1 percent for co-ops and 3.8 percent for condos. Months of supply for all property types was down 6.9 percent to just 2.7 months, and pending sales increased by 2.1 percent.

The report by the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors (HGAR), is based on data supplied by OneKey® MLS.

“While sales are increasing, we continue to experience a strong seller’s market due to extremely low supply and high demand,” said HGAR CEO Lynda Fernandez. “Most of our areas have also experienced a growth in median prices, which is a strong indicator of the popularity of New York City and the Hudson Valley.”

 Yorktown firm buys Smith Street house for $650,000

A two-and-one-half story Victorian house on Smith Street has been purchased by a Yorktown resident after being taken over by its lender Wells Fargo Bank.

PJC Holdings Group LLC, Yorktown Heights bought the property for $610,000 according to a deed filing in September. The listing describes a 2,500-square-foot house on a 7,500 lot with three residential units.

The property was described as “Recently partially renovated, the first floor of this Victorian era gem is filled with tons of wood moldings, pocket doors, hardwood floors and high ceilings. Built circa 1900 and truly a flashback to a bygone era.

“Currently existing as a 2.5 story duplex, C/O attached, this home would be better suited to being transformed into an artist’s studio/gallery or a weekend retreat far from the bustle of NYC as it is close to the Metro North station, about a 1-hour ride to unwind on.”

According to county and state records the purchaser’s address is 975 Marley Court in Yorktown whose owner of record is Patrick Joseph Callaghan.